

How Long Does a Genital Herpes Outbreak Last? One thing that remains the same with either virus is the question, how long does a herpes outbreak last? Similarly, irritation to the genitals caused by frequent sexual activity, irritating products, or tight clothing can trigger a genital herpes outbreak. For example, chewing on the lips, harsh sunlight, or injury around the mouth can irritate the mouth and cause an oral herpes outbreak. Other triggers differ between the two types of herpes. Outbreaks of both types also share certain triggers, such as lack of sleep, stress, poor diet, hormonal changes, menstruation and illness.

There is no cure for herpes, so both strains of the virus are lifelong diseases. HSV-2, on the other hand, is classified as a sexually transmitted infection and spreads primarily through sexual contact. HSV-1 spreads mostly through activities like kissing, sharing a cup or straw, or sharing lip balm or lipstick. (Depending on the circumstances, there can be exceptions to this.)īoth herpes viruses spread through close contact with an infected person, especially if they're experiencing an active outbreak. HSV-2 commonly causes genital sores, while HSV-1 more commonly causes cold sores around the mouth. The biggest difference between the two herpes viruses is the location where they most often cause outbreaks. While both forms of the virus belong to the herpes family and have certain similarities, they also have a few key differences that are important to understand. We'll discuss two main strains of the herpes virus that affect humans: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

One of the most common questions people ask on this topic is, "How long does a herpes outbreak last?" And is there anything you can do to speed your healing time? The Differences Between HSV-1 and HSV-2 Lots of people with herpes feel embarrassed to seek out information about their condition due to the social stigma surrounding this infection.

Common misconceptions about herpes can lead to confusion about what to expect if you contract a herpes viruses.
